UPDATE: New shots from this photo set have arrived in our inbox. See article and gallery for more.

The new-generation 2018 BMW X4 has been spied without a shred of camouflage this week, caught in transit to destinations unknown - although a Frankfurt motor show stand next month is likely to be on the timetable.

These images, posted to enthusiast community xbimmers by user 'Palbay' (facebook page), offer the first clear look at the latest iteration of the new BMW X3 SUV's coupe-inspired companion.

Like the still relatively new first-generation X4 - introduced in 2014 - and the larger X6, the new 2018 X4 will wear a face largely identical to its more practical stablemate, while featuring a long tapered roofline and a short rear deck.

The new X4's tail lamps show a more slender design than before, with this high-spec M40d example already drawing a few comparisons on xbimmer.com to the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe - the X4's direct rival in the Mercedes camp.

For more on the new BMW X4, see our coverage at the links before - including what looks to be the first glimpse of a top-shelf X4 M flagship model.